Lula da Silva wins fourth term as Brazil's president

Brazil's electoral authority announced that leftist President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won a fourth term in a presidential runoff election, securing 51.75% of the vote. The 81-year-old incumbent defeated conservative challenger Flavio Bolsonaro, who received 48.24% of ballots, according to near-complete official results. The runoff was marked by tensions over voting-hour extensions, with Lula's campaign citing public transport issues in several states. The election was dominated by corruption scandals, economic concerns, and accusations of U.S. interference, which Washington denies. Lula faces challenges including high living costs and crime, while Bolsonaro had pledged a tough-on-crime approach and to release his father, former President Jair Bolsonaro, convicted in 2025.